John Korir wins the 10,000m final at the Kenyan Trials (© Omulo Okoth)
The 1998 Commonwealth 800m champion Japheth Kimutai ran the fastest time ever on home soil as the Kenyan World Championships trials ended on Saturday.
The 24-year-old survived a near disaster as he fainted and vomited on crossing the finish line, and winning in 1:43.71. The previous fastest time was by Vincent Malakwen -- 1:44.08 - during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics trials.
His Australian manager James Templeton and coach Bro. Colm O'Connell said Kimutai had been sick the whole day and had contemplated withdrawing from the race.
"It was a tough race and I am so happy to have won despite the high fever," the former world junior record holder and African champion told reporters.
In second place was Justus Koech who clocked 1:44.16 while former world junior champions Nicholas Wachira and Joseph Mutua were third and fourth in 1:44.34 and 1:44.51 respectively.
Athletics Kenya named a strong 37-man team to represent the east African nation, famed for her distance running excellence, at the World Championships to be held in Paris, France, from August 23-31.
World 1500m silver medalist Bernard Lagat was beaten to third place in his specialty by little-known Paul Korir and teenager Isaac Songok. Korir won the race in 3:39.65 with Songok, a form two student at St Patrick's School and Lagat's village mate, second in 3:39.95. Lagat clocked 3:40.26.
"I am happy to finish among the top three and make the team. Korir is a strong athlete but I hope to make good in Paris," said Lagat.
"This is my time and I promise to maintain this form in Paris," Korir, 26, said.
Abraham Chebii destroyed the 5000m field with a tactical sprint finish that left the star-studded runners gasping for air. Chebii, who handed Ethiopia's two-time Olympics and four-time world 10,000m champion Haile Gebrselassie his first defeat of the season in Paris Golden League on July 4, won the race in 13:24.8 after staying behind in most of the race.
Former world cross country 4-km champion John Kibowen was second in 13:25.1 and world junior record holder Eliud Kipchoge third in 13:25.5. Commonwealth champion Sammy Kipketer was fourth in 13:25.7, former world silver medalist Benjamin Limo fifth in 13:26.3 and reigning world champion Richard Limo sixth in 13:29.4.
Women's world cross country 4-km champion Edith Masai ran virtually alone in the last five laps to win the 5,000m in 15:15.79.
Leading results
Men
400m Hurdles
1 Daniel Kibet 50.7
2 Julius Bungei 50.7
3 Hillary Maritim 51.0
100m
1 Stanley Towett 10.65
2 Evans Raro 10.67
3 Morris Muthoka 10.69
Long JUmp
1 Lukas Kiprop 7.77
2 Chris Kemei 7.35
3 Philip Mbithi 7.23
800m
1 Japheth Kimutai 1:43.71
2 Justus Koech 1:44.16
3 Nicholas Wachira 1:44.34
1500m
1 Paul Korir 3:39.65
2 Isaac Songok 3:39.95
3 Bernard Lagat 3:40.26
Javelin
1 Peter Saina 69.69
2 Paul Lagat 68.89
3 Tarimoi ole Sololo 67.0
5000m
1 Abraham Chebii 13:24.8
2 John Kibowen 13:25.1
3 Eliud Kipchoge 13:25.5
10,000m
1 John Korir 27:59.18
2 Wilberforce Talel 28:09.76
3 Gilbert Okari 28:15.85
Kenyan Team for Paris World Championships
Men
400m
Ezra Sambu
Victor Kibet
Vincent Mumo
800m
Japheth Kimutai
Justus Koech
Nicholas Wachira
1500m
Paul Korir
Isaac Songok
Bernard Lagat
3000m SC
Ezekiel Kemboi
Abraham Cherono
Michael Kipyego
Reuben Kosgei
5000m
Abraham Chebii
John Kibowen
Eliud Kipchoge
Richard Limo
10,000m
John Korir
Wilberforce Talel
Albert Chekurui
Charles Kamathi
20km Walk
Julius Sawe
Marathon
Michael Rotich
William Kiplagat
Joseph Ngolepus
Ambrose Makau
Simon Cheboiboch
Women
800m
Faith Macharia
1500m
Naomi Mugo
Jackline Maranga
5000m
Edith Masai
Jane Wanjiku
Isabella Ochichi
10,000m
Selina Kosgei
Marathon
Catherine Ndereba
Joyce Chepchumba
Beatrice Omwanza
Officials
Dr Alf KImani (Team manager/doctor)
Ibrahim Hussein (assistant team manager)
Mary Chege (Cheparone)
Moses Kiptanui (head coach)
Mike Kosgei (long distance coach)
Daniel Kororia (middle distance coach)
Christopher Kiprugut (middle distance coach)
Joan Orenda and Eliud Chesegon (physiotherapists)
Omulo Okoth for the IAAF
